Overview
- The Canale 5 opener posted about a 20.4% audience share, kicking off the anniversary season under Simona Ventura.
- Ventura emphasized a return to ordinary contestants and continuous multi‑platform live feeds across Mediaset outlets.
- An emotional on‑air tribute to the late Pietro Taricone highlighted the show’s legacy and moved opinionist Cristina Plevani.
- Contestant Giulia Soponariu said she was kidnapped as a child during a live conversation, after which the authors stepped in to steer the situation.
- Pre‑launch friction persisted with former housemate Salvo Veneziano alleging Plevani reneged on a 2000 prize‑split pact, a claim reported but not verified.